Bill Text: CA AB1873 | 2017-2018 | Regular Session | Introduced

California Assembly Bill 1873 (Prior Session Legislation)

NOTE: There are more recent revisions of this legislation. Read Latest Draft

Bill Title: Driver’s licenses: veteran designation.

Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill

Status: (Vetoed) 2018-09-21 - Vetoed by Governor. [AB1873 Detail]

Download: California-2017-AB1873-Introduced.html

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2017–2018 REGULAR SESSION

Assembly Bill

No. 1873

Introduced by Assembly Member Obernolte

January 16, 2018

An act to amend Section 14901.1 of the Vehicle Code, relating to driver’s licenses.

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST

AB 1873, as introduced, Obernolte. Driver’s licenses: veteran designation.

Existing law requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to issue a driver’s license to an applicant when the department determines that the applicant is lawfully entitled to a license. Existing law allows an in-person applicant for a driver’s license or identification card to request the word “VETERAN” be printed on the face of the driver’s license or identification card, subject to certain requirements, including, among others, verification of veteran status, as specified, and payment of a $5 fee, which the department is authorized to increase by regulation, in an amount not to exceed $15, as specified. Commencing July 1, 2019, existing law prohibits a fee from being charged for that request if made by (1) a person who has been determined to have a current income level that meets the eligibility requirements for specified assistance programs, or (2) a person who can verify his or her status as a homeless person, in accordance with specified provisions.

This bill would additionally prohibit the fee from being charged for a veteran designation request when made by a person 62 years of age or older.

Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO

The people of the State of California do enact as follows:

SECTION 1.

Section 14901.1 of the Vehicle Code, is amended to read:

14901.1.

(a) In addition to the fees required by Section 14900, 14900.1, or 14902, and except as otherwise provided in subdivision (b), the department shall charge a one-time fee of five dollars ($5) to any person who requests, pursuant to paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 12811, that the person’s driver’s license or identification card be printed with the word “VETERAN” to indicate that the person has served in the United States Armed Forces. The department may increase the fee by regulation, in an amount not to exceed fifteen dollars ($15), to reimburse the department for its reasonable costs in processing and issuing a request for a license or card issued pursuant to paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 12811.

(b) (1) A fee shall not be charged for a request made pursuant to paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 12811 by ~~either~~ any of the following persons:

(A) A person who has been determined to be eligible to obtain an original or replacement identification card at a reduced fee pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 14902.

(B) A person who can verify his or her status as a homeless person and who has been determined to be eligible to obtain an original or replacement identification card for no fee pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 14902.

(C) A person 62 years of age or older.

(2) A person making a request under paragraph (1) shall have his or her status as a veteran verified by a county veteran service officer pursuant to paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 12811.